Golden Gate Bridge District set to transition to automated service center in money-saving move

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Patrons of the Golden Gate Bridge and its transit agencies will soon be hearing a lot more automated voices when they call the district’s customer service center. (AP file photo)

Patrons of the Golden Gate Bridge and its transit agencies will soon be hearing a lot more automated voices when they call the district’s customer service center. (AP file photo)

Patrons of the Golden Gate Bridge and its transit agencies will soon be hearing a lot more automated voices when they call the district’s customer service center.

In a money-saving move, the bridge district is poised to transition into a new service center that will rely much more heavily on computer-generated responses to questions about transit service and other issues.

As a result, the number of employees in the customer service center will shrink from 11 to six, with one more part-time worker on staff. The district anticipates this workforce reduction to occur through attrition, according to spokeswoman Mary Currie.

Facing a five-year deficit of $89 million, the district expects to save $3 million over the next decade by using the automated customer service center. The existing customer service center will be relocated and new technology will be installed, accounting for a startup cost of $250,000.

On Thursday, the district’s transportation committee will vote on the customer center changes. If approved, it will go for final authorization at the district’s full board of directors meeting the following day.